Vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seat ( 1 ), in particular a motor vehicle seat, with at least one seat component ( 3, 3   a ) and at least one backrest ( 4, 4   a ) that can pivot relative to the seat component ( 3, 3   a ) around an axis (A), and whose backrest structure ( 8 ) is hinged on both sides on the seat component structure ( 5, 5   a ) of the seat component ( 3, 3   a ), and comprising at least one base metal sheet ( 10, 10   a ), at least one side beam ( 12 ) or side beam stub ( 58 ), and at least one upper transverse beam ( 14, 14   a ) that are connected to each other, in which the backrest structure ( 8, 8   a ) can be locked in the case of identical dimensioning according to choice by way of at least one fitting ( 23 ) in the region of the axis (A) or a backrest lock ( 24 ) on the upper end of the backrest ( 4, 4   a ).

PRIOR FOREIGN APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to DE 10 2007 007 296.3, whichwas filed Feb. 12, 2007. The entire disclosure of DE 10 2007 007 296.3is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a motorvehicle seat, having at least one seat component and at least onebackrest that can pivot relative to the seat component around an axis,wherein the backrest structure of the backrest is on both sidespivotably connected to the seat component structure of the seatcomponent, and the backrest structure comprises at least one base metalsheet, at least one side beam or side beam stub, and at least one uppertransverse beam that are connected to each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally described, it is known for a vehicle seat to be formed by wayof a modular system. For example, DE 101 42 981 A1 and U.S. Pat. No.6,802,124 B2 disclose a vehicle seat formed by way of modular system,wherein different backrest structures, in particular with differentwidths, are created with a different arrangement of otherwise identicalbeams.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is the provision of improvements to avehicle seat of the type mentioned in the above Technical Field sectionof this disclosure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat,in particular a motor vehicle seat, includes at least one seat componentand at least one backrest that may be pivoted relative to the seatcomponent about an axis. The backrest structure typically includes atleast one base metal sheet, at least one side beam component (e.g., atleast one side beam or side beam stub), and at least one uppertransverse beam that are connected to one another. In accordance withone aspect of the present invention, the backrest structure isconfigured so that: (1) the backrest structure is suitable for beinglocked by a backrest lock proximate an upper end of the backrest (i.e.,the backrest lock is not required to be present) and (2) the backreststructure is suitable for being locked by a lockable fitting that isproximate the axis (i.e., the lockable fitting is not required to bepresent). That is, a choice may be made to provide at least one fitting,which is capable of locking the backrest structure, in the region of theaxis, or to provide a backrest lock on the upper end of the backrest forlocking the backrest structure. In accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, that choice may be made without requiring a change inthe backrest structure.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thevehicle seat has, in its backrest structure and seat componentstructure, a load control system. The load control system preferably isformed by a special arrangement of components that have particularprofiles (e.g., cross-sectional shapes, with the cross-sectionsrespectively taken perpendicular to the lengths of the components), andthe components are respectively connected to one another, preferably bylaser welding. This load control system can be combined—in the samedesign—with fittings or C-pillar locks (i.e., so-called back locks forlocking the backrest to the C-pillar of an automobile), i.e., theintroduced loads are transferred in an advantageous manner irrespectiveof the locking type and the locking location. In the case that the sameload is introduced into the load control system, a different loadtransmission can be provided according to the locking location (i.e.,fixed points in the load control system).

The profiles of the individual components are optimized with respect toloads such as linear compression, stretching, bending, and twisting. Thechosen construction withstands both load transmissions respectivelycreated due to the different fixed points (e.g., due to the differentlocking locations). Because of the modularity of the components, theload control system can be adapted to arbitrary specific requirements ofa vehicle, such as the respective load level, for example, with respectto length, width, height, and material strength. For example, differentwidths may be conveniently provided by roll forming the components andrespectively cutting to different lengths. The modular structures can beused for the second or the third row of seats, for free standingbackrests, or for those that are locked to a C-pillar.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further explained in the following with reference to anexemplary embodiment shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment withoutcushioning, wherein backrest locks, which may be present instead of thefittings for alternative locking, are schematically shown by dashedlines.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the exemplary embodiment showingthe profiles of the individual components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vehicle seat 1 that is constructed as a multiple-part backseat systemof a motor vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat, aredescribed in the following, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat1, which extends in the normal direction of travel of the motor vehicle,is denoted by x. The horizontal transverse direction of the vehicle seat1, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is denoted byy. The vehicle seat 1 has next to each other, in the transversedirection y, two seat components 3 and 3 a. The seat components 3, 3 aare designed to fulfill the same function as one another and differmainly in their dimensions in the transverse direction y. In thefollowing, first the narrower seat component 3 of the two seatcomponents 3, 3 a and the narrower backrest 4 of the two backrests 4, 4a are described. The longitudinal direction x, the transverse directiony, and the vertical direction z, which is perpendicular to thelongitudinal and transverse directions x, y, define the directionalframe of reference used in this disclosure.

The seat component 3 has a seat component structure 5, and the backrest4, which is pivotable relative to the seat component 3, has a backreststructure 8. The backrest structure 8 comprises a base metal sheet 10and four beams. The base metal sheet 10 is attached to each of the fourbeams of the backrest structure 8. The four beams of the backreststructure 8 are attached to each other so that they together form afour-legged continuous frame. More specifically, the four beams of thebackrest structure 8 are two side beam components, namely side beams 12;and upper and lower transverse beams 14, 16, which are respectivelyabove and below a central portion of the base metal sheet 10.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, both of the side beams 12have C-shaped profiles (e.g., cross-sections taken perpendicular totheir lengths are C-shaped) and they are constructed as mirror-images ofeach other, and it may be preferred for them to be identical parts. AC-shaped profile is a configuration in which two spaced apart legs areconnected to and extend perpendicularly from a middle leg, andoptionally inwardly protruding flanges may be respectively connected toand extend perpendicularly from the two legs. Profiles that aredifferent than those disclosed herein may be used. For example and as analternative, the side beams 12 may have L-shaped profiles (e.g.,cross-sections taken perpendicular to their lengths are L-shaped). Inaccordance with this alternative embodiment, an L-shaped profile is aconfiguration in which two legs are connected and extend perpendicularto each other, and optionally perpendicularly protruding flanges may beconnected to the legs.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the upper transverse beam14 has a top hat-shaped profile (e.g., cross-sections takenperpendicular to its lengths are shaped like a top hat). A tophat-shaped profile is a configuration with a middle leg, two legs thatare connected to and extend perpendicular from the middle leg, and, atleast on one side, preferably (e.g., optionally) on both sides, there isan outwardly protruding, perpendicular flange. In accordance with theexemplary embodiment, the lower transverse beam 16 has a C-shapedprofile. The profiles of the beams 12, 14, 16 (e.g., theircross-sectional shapes, with the cross-sections taken perpendicular totheir lengths) can be formed, for example, by roll forming. For example,different heights of the backrest 4 may be conveniently provided by rollforming the side beams 12 and respectively cutting to different lengths.The upper transverse beam 14 contains receptacles for the head supportrods of a head support (e.g., headrest).

On both sides, the backrest structure 8 is pivotably connected to twofeet 21 of the seat component structure 5, for pivoting around (e.g.,about) axis A. The two feet 21 of the seat component structure 5 arestructurally fixed in the vehicle (e.g., the feet 21 are for beingfixedly connected to structure of the vehicle). The axis A extends inthe transverse direction y. In accordance with one version of theexemplary embodiment, the backrest 4 is freestanding. According to thisversion, the sides of the backrest structure 8 are pivotably connectedto the rear feet 21 by way of respective lockable fittings 23, and thefittings are operative for both allowing the pivoting of the backreststructure about the axis A and (indirectly) locking the backreststructure with respect to the vehicle structure, so that the backreststructure is crash safe. Stated differently, the backrest structure 8 isreleasably locked by the fittings 23 in a manner that seeks to preventthe backrest structure from unintentionally pivoting relative to thevehicle structure in the event of a crash. The fittings 23 may be anytype of releasably lockable fittings (e.g., conventional releasablylockable fittings) that are suitable for functioning at least asdescribed above. For example and not limitation, releasably lockablefittings that may be used are disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,903 B2and US 2007/0145800 A1. The entire disclosure of each of U.S. Pat. No.7,188,903 B2 and US 2007/0145800 A1 is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with an alternative/second version of the exemplaryembodiment, the sides of the backrest structure 8 are pivotablyconnected on the rear feet 21 by way of respective simple pivot joints,which are not per se (i.e., in and of themselves) lockable, and thebackrest structure is releasably locked to the vehicle structurebackrest lock 24, which is schematically illustrated by dashed lines inFIG. 1, so that the backrest structure is crash safe. Stateddifferently, the fittings 23 are replaced with the simple pivot jointsand the backrest structure 8 is releasably locked by the backrest lock24 in a manner that seeks to prevent the backrest structure fromunintentionally pivoting relative to the vehicle structure in the eventof a crash. The backrest lock 24 is provided—with respect to thevertical z—on the upper end of the backrest 4. The simple pivot jointsmay be any type of simple pivot joints (e.g., conventional simple pivotjoints) that are suitable for functioning as described above. As oneexample and not for purposes of limitation, each of the simple pivotjoints may consist essentially of a shaft (e.g., a stub of a shaft) thatis fixedly connected to and protrudes from the backrest structure 8, andis pivotably carried by the respective rear foot 21 (e.g., by way of abearing, or the like). Alternatively, the shaft may be fixedly connectedto and protrude from the respective rear foot 21, and be pivotablycarried by the backrest structure 8 (e.g., by way of a bearing, or thelike). One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thefittings 23 can be characterized as being schematically illustrative ofthe simple pivot joints. The backrest lock 24 may be any type ofbackrest lock 24 (e.g., a conventional backrest lock 24) that issuitable for functioning at least as described above. For example andnot limitation, locks that may be suitable for use as the backrest lock24 are disclosed by US 2007/0170341 A1 and US 2006/0208505 A1. Theentire disclosure of each of US 2007/0170341 A1 and US 2006/0208505 A1is incorporated herein by reference.

Combinations of both solutions (e.g., of the first and second versionsdiscussed above) are also possible in which the backrest structure 8 is,for example, on one side hinged by way of a fitting 23 on the respectiverear foot 21 and on the other side hinged by way of a simple pivot jointon the respective rear foot 21. The dimensioning of the backreststructure 8, i.e., the different dimensions such as the length, width,height, and location dependent material strength remain the sameindependent of the locking type and the locking location. The fittings23 or simple pivot joints define the axis A. The position of axis A canbe varied by selecting the rear feet 21 from a collection of differentlysized and/or shaped rear feet.

The seat component structure 5 comprises a seat frame 31. In accordancewith the exemplary embodiment, the seat frame 31 has two side components33, which are mirror images of each other, a front cross-member 35 and arear cross-member 37 that are connected to each other. The sidecomponents 33 have C-shaped profiles, whereas both the cross-members 35and 37 have double top hat-shaped profiles (e.g., cross-sections takenperpendicular to their lengths have a double top hat-like shape).Alternatively, each of the double top hat-shaped profiles can bereplaced with a closed profile (e.g., an elliptical or oval profile).The side components 33 extended over the rear cross-member 37 and arepivotably connected to the backrest structure 8 above the fittings 23 orthe simple pivot joints. More specifically, the side components 33 arepivotably mounted to the side beams 12. Additionally in accordance withthe exemplary embodiment, on each side of the seat frame 31, the sidecomponent 33 is pivotably connected to a pivotable link that may bereferred to as a rocker arm 39, and the rocker arm is in turn ispivotably connected to a front foot 41. The front feet 41 are stationaryin (e.g., for being fixedly mounted to) the vehicle structure.

On both sides of the seat component 3, a four-bar linkage is formed,whereby there are two of these four-bar linkages. Each of these four-barlinkages is respectively formed by: the vehicle structure between thefront and rear feet 41, 21 and including the front and rear feet 41, 21;the backrest structure 8 between the fitting 23 or the simple pivotjoint, on one hand, and the articulation point of the seat frame 31 onthe backrest structure 8 (i.e., wherein the side component 33 ispivotably connected to the backrest structure 8 above the fitting 23 orthe simple pivot joint), on the other hand; the side component 33; andthe rocker arm 39. By way of these four-bar linkages that arerespectively at the sides of the seat component 3, the backrest 4 can befolded flat onto the seat component 3 and the seat frame 31 can belowered at the same time, so that the vehicle seat 1 can be configuredinto a flat bottom position.

The previously described narrower part of the vehicle seat 1 makes oneseat available for a user to sit in, whereas the wider part of thevehicle seat 1 that is described in the following has two seatsavailable for users to sit in. The wider backrest 4 a of the vehicleseat 1 has a backrest structure 8 a. The backrest structure 8 acomprises: a wider base metal sheet 10 a (i.e., wider than the narrowerbase metal sheet 10 in the y direction); a side beam 12 that is locatedat the side of the wider backrest 4 a that is distant from the narrowerbackrest 4, and is identical to the side beams 12 of the narrowerbackrest 4; a beam with an integrated safety belt (“beam with integratedsafety belt 52”) that, rather than being centered in the backreststructure 8 a, is arranged in the y direction closer to the narrowerbackrest 4 at a location that divides the base metal sheet 10 aapproximately in the ratio 20:40 in the y direction (along the axis A);an upper transverse beam 14 a positioned above a central portion of thewider base metal sheet 10 a; and a transverse tube 56 positioned belowthe central portion of the wider base metal sheet 10 a. The side beam12, beam with integrated safety belt 52 and upper transverse beam 14 aare directly connected to the base metal sheet 10 a. The uppertransverse beam 14 a and the transverse tube 56 extend over nearly thetotal width of the base metal sheet 10 a in the y direction, i.e., theyhave a larger size than the distance between the side beam 12 and thebeam with integrated safety belt 52. In the region between the side beam12 and the beam with integrated belt 52, the upper transverse beam 14 a,transverse tube 56, side beam 12 and the beam with integrated belt 52are attached to each other so that they together form a four-leggedcontinuous frame.

The beam with integrated safety belt 52 is designed to accommodate abelt retractor of a safety belt for the middle seat of the whole vehicleseat 1; therefore, the beam with integrated safety belt 52 has acorrespondingly large width. The upper transverse beam 14 a containsreceptacles for the head support rods of two head supports (e.g.,headrests). The transverse tube 56 has an elliptical or oval profile(with a larger semi-axis parallel to the side beam 12 and the beam withintegrated safety belt 52, and a smaller semi-axis perpendicular to thebase metal sheet 10 a) in order to exhibit in different force directionsdifferent elasticity, namely stiffer with respect to forces introducedby the beam with integrated safety belt 52 and more elastic with respectto forces in the longitudinal direction x.

Like the narrower backrest 4, the backrest structure 8 a of the widerbackrest 4 a is pivotably mounted on respective rear feet 21 by way offittings 23 or simple pivot joints. The rear feet 21 are structurallyfixed in the vehicle (e.g., for being fixedly connected to structure ofthe vehicle). The backrest structure 8 a of the wider backrest 4 a has,on the side that is closest to the narrower backrest 4, a side beamcomponent, namely a side beam stub 58. The side beam stub 58 isconstructed like the lower part of a side beam 12, for example, like thebottom quarter of a side beam 12. The transverse tube 56 is attached tothe side beam stub 58. The side beam stub 58 is provided with one of thefittings 23 or one of the simple pivot joints. Except for the variationsnoted, the backrest structure 8 a of the wider backrest 4 a isconstructed like the backrest structure 8 of the narrower backrest 4. Inparticular, the backrest structure 8 a can be locked with respect to thevehicle structure, at least indirectly, by way of the respectivefittings 23 or a respective backrest lock 24.

The wider seat component 3 a of the vehicle seat 1 has a seat componentstructure 5 a with a seat frame 31 a. Side components 33 of the seatframe 31 a are mirror images of each other and identical to thecorresponding side components 33 of the narrower seat component 3. Afront cross-member 35 a and rear cross-member 37 a of the seat frame 31a are the same as the corresponding front cross-member 35 and rearcross-member 37 of the narrower seat component 3, except that the frontand rear cross-members 35 a, 37 a of the wider seat component 3 a arelonger than the front and rear cross-members 35, 37 of the narrower seatcomponent 3 in the y direction. Therefore, it is preferred for the frontand rear cross-members 35 a, 37 a of the wider seat component 3 a to becut from the same precursor (e.g., an elongate roll-formed member with aC-shaped profile) as the front and rear cross-members 35, 37 of thenarrower seat component 3.

The rear of the seat frame 31 a is pivotably connected to the backreststructure 8 a. More specifically, the rear of the side components 33 ofthe seat frame 31 a are respectively pivotably connected to the sidebeam 12 and the side beam stub 58. The front of the seat frame 31 a ispivotably connected to the respective front feet 41 by way of rockerarms 39. The rocker arms 39 and the front feet 41 of the wider seatcomponent 3 a are identical to the corresponding components of thenarrower seat component 3. A connection plate 60, that is preferablyprovided with reinforcing beads, is attached to each of, and extendsbetween, the cross-members 35 a and 37 a at the side of the wider seatcomponent 3 a that is closes to the narrower seat component 3. Exceptfor the variations noted, the seat component structure 5 a of the widerseat component 3 a is constructed like the seat component structure 5 ofthe narrower seat component 3.

In the case of loading, in particular in the case of a crash of thevehicle containing the vehicle seat 1, the individual components of thevehicle seat experience different primary loads. Thus, the cross-members35 and 37 are subjected to bending, and the side components 33 aresubjected to bending and linear compression/elongation. The uppertransverse beams 14 and 14 a are subjected to bending and twisting. Inthe case of a locking by way of the fittings 23, the side beam 12 andthe beam with integrated belt 52 are subjected to bending, and thetransverse tube 56 is subjected to bending and twisting; whereas in thecase of locking by way of a backrest lock 24, the side beam 12 and thebeam with integrated safety belt 52 are subjected to bending andtwisting, and the transverse tube 56 is subjected to bending.

One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety ofconfigurations are within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, although the fittings 23 and simple pivot joints are in someinstances described above as being on the rear feet 21, otherarrangements are within the scope of the present invention. For example,for each of the wider and narrower parts of the vehicle seat 1, thefittings 23 (according to one version) and the simple pivot joints(according to another version) may be mounted between/to both thebackrest structure 8, 8 a and the seat frame 31, 31 a, such that thefittings 23 and simple pivot joints are not mounted directly on the rearfeet 21. For example, although the side components 33 are describedabove as being pivotably connected to the backrest structure 8, 8 aabove the fittings 23 or the simple pivot joints, the side components 33may alternatively be mounted, for example, to the fittings or the simplepivot joints.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the presentinvention has been discussed above with reference to an exemplaryembodiment and alternative embodiments, various additions, modificationsand changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

1. A vehicle seat, comprising: at least one seat component including seat component structure; and at least one backrest that includes backrest structure and can be pivoted relative to the seat component about an axis, wherein the backrest structure includes opposite first and second sides, and the backrest structure is pivotably connected to the seat component structure at each of the first and second sides, and wherein the backrest structure includes at least one base metal sheet, at least one side beam component, and at least one upper transverse beam that are connected to one another, with the backrest structure being configured so that (a) the backrest structure is suitable for being locked by a backrest lock proximate an upper end of the backrest, and (b) the backrest structure is suitable for being locked by a lockable fitting that is proximate the axis.
 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the side beam component has a profile selected from the group consisting of a C-shaped profile and an L-shaped profile.
 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the upper transverse beam has a top hat-shaped profile.
 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: the side beam component is selected from the group consisting of a side beam stub and a first side beam; the backrest structure further comprises a second side beam, a lower transverse component selected from the group consisting of a transverse beam and a transverse tube, and a beam with integrated safety belt; and the side beam component, the second side beam, the lower transverse component, the beam with integrated safety belt and the upper transverse beam are respectively connected to one another to form at least one four-legged continuous frame.
 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the beam with integrated safety belt has a top hat-shaped profile.
 6. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the transverse beam has a profile selected from the group consisting of an elliptical profile and an oval profile.
 7. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein: the side beam component is the side beam stub, the lower transverse component is the transverse tube, and the transverse tube extends between, and is connected to each of, the side beam and the side beam stub.
 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein: the side beam component is the first side beam, and the first side beam and the second side beam are identical with respect to one another.
 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the beam with integrated safety belt is configured for accommodating a belt retractor of a safety belt.
 10. The vehicle seat according claim 4, wherein the beam with integrated belt divides the base metal sheet in a ratio of about 20:40 along the axis.
 11. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein: the axis extends in a direction; the base metal sheet has a width that extends in the direction of the axis; and the upper transverse beam and the lower transverse component extend along the axis over approximately the total width of the base metal sheet.
 12. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, comprising rear feet for being connected to the vehicle structure, wherein the backrest is pivotable relative to the seat component about the axis by way of pivotable members, the pivotable members are respectively mounted to the rear feet, and a pivotable member of the pivotable members is selected from the group consisting of the lockable fitting that is proximate the axis, and a pivot joint.
 13. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: the seat component structure comprises a seat frame; the seat frame includes two side components, a front cross-member and a rear cross-member; the side components, the front cross-member and the rear cross-member are respectively connected to one another; and the side components are mirror images of one another.
 14. The vehicle seat according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the side components has a profile selected from the group consisting of a C-shaped profile and an L-shaped profile.
 15. The vehicle seat according to claim 13, wherein at least one cross-member, which is selected from the group consisting of the front cross-member and the rear cross-member, has a double top hat-shaped profile.
 16. The vehicle seat according to claim 13, wherein: the seat frame has a rear region, and the rear region of the seat frame is pivotably connected to the backrest structure, whereby the backrest structure is pivotably connected to the seat component structure.
 17. The vehicle seat according to claim 13, comprising front feet for being connected to the vehicle structure, and pivotable links respectively pivotably connected to the front feet, wherein: the seat frame has a front region, and the front region of the seat frame is pivotably connected to the pivotable links.
 18. The vehicle seat according to claim 12, comprising front feet for being connected to the vehicle structure, and pivotable links respectively pivotably connected to the front feet, wherein: the seat frame has a front region; the front region of the seat frame is pivotably connected to the pivotable links; and at each of opposite first and second sides of the vehicle seat, a four-bar linkage is formed by (a) the front foot, the rear foot, and the vehicle structure between the front foot and the rear foot, (b) the backrest structure between (1) where the backrest structure is pivotably connected to the seat component structure and (2) the pivotable member that is mounted to the rear foot and the backrest structure, (c) the side component, and (d) the rocker arm.
 19. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein: an apparatus is selected from the group consisting of the seat component and the backrest; the vehicle seat includes two of the apparatuses; at least a first element of a first of the apparatuses is identical to at least a first element of a second of the apparatuses; and the first elements are selected from the group consisting of side beams, side components, pivotable links, front feet and rear feet.
 20. The vehicle seat according to claim 19, wherein, along the axis, the first apparatus is sized differently than the second apparatus.
 21. The vehicle seat according to claim 20, wherein: at least a second element of the first of the apparatuses has a profile that is identical to a profile of at least a second element of the second of the apparatuses; the second elements are selected from the group consisting of transverse beams; transverse tubes, and cross-members; and the second elements have different lengths with respect to one another.
 22. A vehicle seat, comprising: at least one seat component including seat component structure; and at least one backrest that includes backrest structure and can be pivoted relative to the seat component about an axis, wherein the backrest structure includes at least one base metal sheet, at least one side beam component, and at least one upper transverse beam that are connected to one another, with the backrest structure being configured so that (a) the backrest structure is suitable for being locked by a backrest lock proximate an upper end of the backrest, and (b) the backrest structure is suitable for being locked by a lockable fitting that is proximate the axis.
 22. The vehicle seat according to claim 22, including the lockable fitting, wherein the lockable fitting is proximate the axis and mounted to the backrest structure for at least partially the backrest structure to be pivoted relative to the seat component about the axis. 